Arik Air introduces new Q400 aircraft

Arik Air announced the planned introduction into service of a new Bombardier Q400 aircraft, the first of four to join the airline’s fleet.

Arik Air, Nigeria’s leading commercial airline, today announced the planned introduction into service of a new Bombardier Q400 aircraft, the first of four to join the airline’s fleet.

The 72-seat Canadian turboprop aircraft is one of the most technologically advanced aircraft operating in the world today and Arik Air will become the launch customer in Nigeria. Arik Air was also the launch customer in Nigeria for its Bombardier CRJ-900 and Airbus A340-500 aircraft types.

Designed to meet stringent operating requirements while at the same time providing travellers with high levels of comfort during short-haul flights, the Q400 is ideally suited to enable Arik Air to expand its services to select domestic and regional destinations. A number of characteristics explain the Q400’s popularity: the aircraft’s low noise on-board flying experience (‘Q’ stands for quiet), its bright spacious two-by-two seat cabin layout, its 2,500 km range and its 660 km/hour cruise speed. Arik Air’s Q400 is configured in two cabins, a 10-seat Business Class cabin and a 62-seat Economy Class cabin.

In announcing the planned integration of the Q400 into Arik Air’s fleet, the airline’s Managing Director, Mr Jason Holt, explained the benefits for the airline:

“The economics of the Q400 is among its most distinctive characteristics. The aircraft’s speed, comfort and jet-like cabin experience are certain to make it popular among our regular Nigerian guests. Consistent with Arik Air’s strategy to provide a world-class service, the airline is delighted to introduce this aircraft type to Nigeria. The aircraft is a very welcome addition to the growing and state-of-the art Arik Air fleet.”

Arik Air’s General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mr Suraj Sundaram elaborated: “The capacity and range of the new Q400 will allow Arik Air to increase capacity on domestic routes where we experience above-average levels of demand. The aircraft’s introduction will also allow the airline to provide increased frequency on key trunk routes, a service feature our corporate guests value highly.”

Arik Air is Nigeria’s leading commercial airline. With the addition of the Q400, Arik Air operates a fleet of 29 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft. The airline currently serves 20 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Niamey (Niger), London Heathrow (UK) and Johannesburg (South Africa). The airline will soon commence non-stop flights between Lagos and New York (JFK) and Abuja and London (LHR).

The airline currently operates 120 flights daily from its hubs in Lagos and Abuja.